A Small, Furry Way to Support Military Children

Looking for a way to show support for children whose military parents are deployed overseas? The non-profit group Operation Gratitude has come up with a new program for military kids called "Battalion Buddies."

Battalion Buddies are stuffed animals that are sent to the children of military parents whose units are about to be deployed. The toys also come with a special message:

Hi Brave Young Warrior:

I am your Battalion Buddy!

I am here to cuddle and play with you

while Mommy or Daddy is away!

And my friends at Operation Gratitude

will be sending a little something to

Mommy or Daddy, too!

According to its website, Operation Gratitude has shipped more than 750,000 care packages to U.S service members and military children since 2003.

Interested in sending a Battalion Buddy to a military child? Click here for more info.